The Next Reel Film Podcast

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel "I’m afraid you won’t survive to witness the victory of the echo over the voice." Star Trek: Insurrection was a success at the box office, but not so much that the studio felt the need to get another Star Trek film into production right away. In fact, there didn’t seem to be much motivation to make one. That is until John Logan met Brent Spiner and the two not only hit it off but also became intent on writing the next film for the franchise. Once they found the right story, everyone got on board and _Star Trek: Nemesis _was born. But was there an audience for another Star Trek film or were people worn out with franchise fatigue? And could the team deliver a film that warranted its existence? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with the final of the Next Generation films, Stuart Baird’s 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis. We talk about our memories of the film and how those memories may have shifted on this latest viewing, and why we think that is. We look at Tom Hardy as a young Jean-Luc Picard and talk about his effectiveness with this portrayal. We get a bit nerdy as we discuss Romulan history, the Remans and where they fit in, and how all of this works together in context for the story presented here. We chat about the look of the film, relishing in the darkness presented here by cinematographer Jeffrey L. Kimball, and how it works well with Herman Zimmerman’s sets and Jerry Goldsmith’s score. We look at elements within the film that relate to the story of duality going on here, notably with Picard/Shinzon, Data/B-4 and the Romulans/Remans; and we ponder how well some of those choices work for us. And we take a look at how we feel about the TNG films and how they work for us as a body of work as compared with the films from the original crew. On the whole, we both had a much better time with this film than we’d remembered. We know it’s a much-maligned film, but we feel there’s more merit than we’d remembered. Check it out and see how it holds up for you, then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins! Film Sundries Do you like getting the good stuff before everyone else? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get access to the show Drafts Podcast Feed! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

”How many people does it take, Admiral, before it becomes wrong?" With the success of Star Trek: First Contact, a more action-oriented Star Trek film, the team behind it wanted their next film to be lighter in tone and more character-driven. To a certain extent, that’s exactly what audiences got, and a lot of people were disappointed because they were expecting so much more. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Star Trek series with Jonathan Frakes’s 1998 film: Star Trek: Insurrection. We talk about why this film seems a bit divisive with fans, and look at what works for us as well as what doesn’t. We chat about the nature of the script and if there was a fresh and exciting story buried in there. We look at what Frakes and co. bring to the table here and ponder why it feels more like a two-part TV episode than a movie. And we revel in the brilliance of F. Murray Abraham as Rua’fo, not just performance-wise but also with Michael Westmore’s brilliant makeup effects. It’s a fairly middling film that has its moments of greatness that are often burdened by its moments of nonsense. Regardless, we have a great time talking about this one, so check it out! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel "The line must be drawn here!" The introduction of the Borg as an antagonist on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” gave the crew of the Enterprise – and the teams on subsequent shows – one of their greatest villains. Not only are they a terrifying collective, assimilating everyone they come into contact with, but they thematically are the antithesis of everything the franchise has come to represent about technology and the future. Because of all of this, they seemed a natural element to include in the TNG cinematic stories. But the studio wanted them to include a way to personify the villain more than they ever did in the show. The filmmakers also wanted to make a time travel film. With all of these elements, were they able to pull it together to make a cohesive film? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with Jonathan Frakes’ 1996 film Star Trek: First Contact. We talk about the Borg as a whole, both in the TV shows and this film, and debate how well they’re served with some of their rules and with the addition of the Borg queen. We praise the brilliant performances of the additional actors brought into the fold in this film – Alfre Woodard, James Cromwell and Alice Krige (even Neal McDonough) – and how we relish some of their scenes with our Enterprise crew. (Woodard’s scenes with Patrick Stewart all stand out as 5-star Star Trek.) We go through problems we have with the script, notably the introduction of the Borg queen and the lack of and conflict in the storyline on Earth, and debate what could have improved the movie. We look at what some of the crew, primarily cinematographer Matthew F. Leonetti, composer Jerry Goldsmith and production designer Herman F. Zimmerman, bring to the table. And we run through a list of items in the film – items like Geordi’s ocular implants, the escape pods and Cromwell’s dancing – to find out if we loved it or hated it. It’s a fun film that makes for an exciting watch, though with more visible problems that we’re seeing now. Still, we have a great time talking about it on this week’s show. So watch the film then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScreenplay — First DraftOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"Who am I to argue with the captain of the Enterprise?" After seven successful seasons of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” it was time for their voyage to the big screen. For the first foray into the cinemas, the TNG team pulled several key crew from the show – notably the writers and director. Unfortunately, it made for a film that felt a bit like an expanded episode of the TV series, albeit made with a bigger budget. It also is mired by one of the more convoluted elements in any of the franchise films – the Nexus. Does that make it the worst of the franchise? Or does it have merits? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with David Carson’s 1994 film Star Trek: Generations. We talk about the frustrations we have with this film and why the Nexus is such a problematic element within the story. We look at Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga – the two screenwriters – and ponder why they struggled so much with the concept and what they could’ve done differently to make an arguably better film. We debate the decision to bring Carson, Braga, Moore and even composer Dennis McCarthy, over from the TV show and why this decision may have lent to the small scope feel of the film. We relish in the relationship between Captain Picard and Data, notably in their conversation in Stellar Cartography, and what it brings forth in their relationship. And we complain about many other story issues we have with this film, looking at whether the issues here make it a better or worse film that Star Trek V. It’s an interesting film to discuss that’s full of frustrations and missed opportunities. Regardless, we have a great time talking about it so check out the movie (or don’t) then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel: when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Do you like getting the good stuff before everyone else? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get access to the show Drafts Podcast Feed! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdWarp Factor TableSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"We will not be the instigators of full scale war on the eve of universal peace!" Even though “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was entering its fifth season and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier had underperformed, Paramount wanted to bring back the original crew of the Enterprise for one last hurrah to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the franchise. To write and helm the film, they turned to the man who arguably made the best film thus far, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Nicholas Meyer co-wrote it and ended up directing it as well, making a film that stands out as one of the high points of the franchise. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with Meyer’s 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. We talk about what this film means for the original crew and how it works as their final send-off. We look at the Shakespeare elements, along with other nods to world history, and discuss them in context of this universe – does it make sense for other races to be quoting ancient Earthlings – versus in context of us as viewers of the film. We dig deep into the scene when Spock double mind melds Kim Cattrall’s Valeris, how well that scene works for us and why. We discuss the context of the world at the time Meyer and team wrote and made this film and how well that connection benefits the story. We discuss Cliff Eidelman’s music and why it works so well, even if he largely stays away from the themes already built into the series. And we talk about the fantastic Klingon makeup done throughout the film and why we think it works so well. It’s a film that stands out as Pete’s favorite of the franchise and one well worth talking about. Definitely check this one out. It’s well worth it. Then tune into the show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"I don’t want my pain taken away! I need my pain!" Leonard Nimoy had directed two Star Trek films so naturally, William Shatner wanted to give it a go. He even had a great concept for a story – the crew of the Enterprise goes on a quest to find God. Unfortunately, with a writers strike hitting Hollywood at the time, with an effects company that couldn’t deliver, and with a studio demanding as much humor as they could cram into the script, Shatner’s vision was muddled and became what many consider to be the worst of the original cast films in the franchise. But is it really that bad? Is it possible to get past the terrible humor and find a compelling story? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series and look for these answers and more in Shatner’s 1989 film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.” We talk about the overall problems we have with this film but how the story itself is actually quite compelling. We look at how the relationship between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy is developed in this film and what elements of that development work for us. We chat about the character of Sybok and the problem he created for many ardent fans – a laughing Vulcan! We shake our heads at much of the bad comedy and screenwriting that nearly buries the fascinating story in nonsense (and some would say DID bury it (buried alive…)). We look at the style and verve that Shatner infused in the film with the lighting and camera work, not to mention the incredible score he gets out of Jerry Goldsmith, returning to the franchise. And we ponder the merits of the Kraft Marshmallow (marshmelon?) Dispenser in all of its glory. It’s an incredibly problematic film that represents some of the franchise’s worst… but also some of its best. We have a great time chatting about it so check it out then tune in! When the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Do you like getting the good stuff before everyone else? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get access to the show Drafts Podcast Feed! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdKraft Marshmallow DispenserSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"Who would send a probe hundreds of light years to talk to a whale?" With the success of their pair of Star Trek films under their belt, director Leonard Nimoy and producer Harve Bennett were asked once again to return to the well and bring forth yet another Star Trek story. This time, Nimoy had more free reign to make the film he wanted to make, and he and Bennett thought it would be nice to make something a bit lighter. Also? They wanted to feature time travel. So they put their heads together and came up with what we now know and love to be Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The film ended up wrapping things up nicely from the previous two films and became the closing entry of an unintentional trilogy that works well in the context of the three films and as a stand alone entry. But how well do the comedy stylings hold up with a modern eye? Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Star Trek series with Nimoy’s 1986 film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. We talk about what works in this film – the characters, the whales, the probe, the future – and what doesn’t – all of the slapstick in the present paired with a problematic screenplay – and why it still works for us. We look at the incredible effects from the team at ILM all through the film and how they were really continuing to do things here they hadn’t before. We chat about the core team and look briefly at Nichelle Nichols and her background. We debate the quality of the cinematography by Don Peterman and the score by Leonard Rosenman and ponder if either of a quality that warranted an Oscar nomination. And we look at the trailer, debating if it was any good or told us too much. It’s a fun, light film as promised, but one that may not feel as appropriate in the franchise. Still, we have a fantastic time chatting about it. So check out the film – again or for the first time – and tune in! When the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Consider supporting the show by becoming a member at http://patreon.com/thenextreel. Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdMemory Alpha — Star Trek WikiaSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"My God, Bones, what have I done?" Because of the critical and financial success of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Paramount quickly put plans into action for part three, telling Harve Bennett to get them a script as quickly as he could. And he did. Soon, they had brought Leonard Nimoy on to direct, feeling okay that he could handle it since his part of Spock had such a diminished role in the film. And two years later, they had a film in theatres. But does it work? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with Leonard Nimoy’s 1984 film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. We talk about the elements of the film that work for us – the incredible ship modelwork, the destruction of the Enterprise, the parts of canon introduced here – and we talk about what didn’t work, which generally focuses on the script. We chat about Nimoy as a director and what he and Bennett brought to the table here – notably their senses of humor – and why that largely doesn’t work for us. We discuss the sequence where Kirk makes the fateful decision to blow up the Enterprise in order to escape the clutches of the Klingons and look at what the team is bringing to the table in that sequence. We touch on James Horner’s score, continuing from the previous film, and love how much it helps build the destruction of the Enterprise. And we ponder the theme so beautifully illustrated in the previous film about the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few, and how this film bungles up that entire message. It’s a frustrating film to watch but one we still enjoy, probably in part because it helps connect the dots within this mini franchise trilogy. We have a great time talking about it on the show this week so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries We love Hangouts! Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get an invitation to our members only live chat before we record an episode of The Film Board! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"You are my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been, and always shall be, yours." The ‘failure’ of the first Star Trek film put Paramount in the frame of mind where they needed to do a few things if they were to keep the franchise moving forward. 1) Drop the budget to something much more meager. 2) Add some action to the story. 3) Get rid of the needy creator and producer Gene Roddenberry. They did all three and luckily, the pieces fell into place in a way where they truly ended up with one of the great sci-fi films of all time and arguably the best in the franchise. It’s possible it could’ve been a disaster, but director Nicholas Meyer paired with new producer Harve Bennett – both new to the world of Trek – seemed to approach it the right way. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek marathon with Nicholas Meyer’s 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. We talk about the risk of telling a story that is essentially a sequel to a TV episode that ran 15 years earlier, yet how well it works (and the fact that it still can work for you if you never saw that episode). We chat about the ousting of Roddenberry and how Bennett’s and Meyer’s approach seemed to work well for the franchise, especially certain nautical and militaristic elements Meyer wanted to add. We look at what Industrial Light & Magic brought to the table, notably the Genesis effect video but also all the incredible model work (all done at the same time as Poltergeist and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial). We look at the story of Khan and discuss why it works so well here, paired with themes of friendship and aging, etc. And we dig deep into a scene where Khan steals the Genesis device and he and Kirk have an incredible com-to-com monologue-off. It’s a brilliant film and has stood the test of time with its action-packed, tense, funny, dramatic, operatic, heartbreaking story and one we have a great time discussing. So check out the movie – watch it again if you’ve seen it already because it’s really that good – then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Want to join us for an episode? Support The Next Reel on Patreon to automatically be entered into our regular Listener’s Choice drawings! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artwork“Space Seed” — Original Series Episode #22FlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"The creator has not answered." It wasn’t until syndication that Paramount realized that it had a property they could continue milking in Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek TV series. Even then, however, they struggled to get a film adaptation made. After dropping the idea and settling for a new TV series called Star Trek: Phase II which they began developing, the theatrical releases of Star Wars and Close Encounters made them realize that science fiction movies could work. So back to the drawing board they went and after a few years, Paramount was ready to release Robert Wise’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture in theatres. It proved successful and spawned a massive franchise that has found legions of fans worldwide. Yet Wise’s film still has its detractors – whether it’s the pacing, the acting, or the plot, there are those who dislike the film. So is it a worthy start to the film franchise? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our biggest series to date – The Star Trek series – with 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture. We look at the film’s trailer and talk about who it was marketed to and why it worked. We discuss the pacing of the film and why it’s caused such dislike for the film, even if it doesn’t sound like it was entirely intentional. We look intently at one scene and discuss the actors, the camerawork, direction, themes and everything else to see how that one scene fits in context of the overall film. We chat about split diopters and how frequent they are in the film. And we look at how well the film did (hint: well enough to birth a franchise!). We have a great time starting up this new series with one of the more divisive films of the franchise. Definitely check it out (but bring your coffee!) then tune in! The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.   Film Sundries We love Hangouts! Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get an invitation to our members only live chat before we record an episode of The Film Board! http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkStar Trek: The Original Series — WikipediaFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible